Dev tools · alternatives · 2026

24 alternatives to Elementary OS

The privacy focused replacement to Windows and Mac OS

Below are 24 products that do a similar job, ranked by how close each is in meaning and then by launch-day votes. Elementary OS launched in 2018; newer entries below may have overtaken it.

1. 1
   elementaryOS Loki (0.4)▲9

   A fast and open replacement for Windows and macOS

   2016 · its alternatives →

2. 2
   macOS Sierra▲630

   All new OS for your Mac

   2016 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →

3. 3
   GrapheneOS▲116

   Open source mobile OS focused on privacy and security.

   2019 · its alternatives →

4. 4
   macOS Big Sur▲283

   New macOS with enhancements to Messages, Maps, & privacy

   2020 · its alternatives →

5. 5
   Snap▲115

   Effortless window management for power users on macOS

   2025 · freethinkel.dev · its alternatives →

6. 6
   Zorin OS 12▲139

   Open source Linux-based OS that is fast, powerful and secure

   2017 · its alternatives →

7. 7
   Encrypto▲141

   Encrypt the files you send.

   2015 · its alternatives →

8. 8
   Student OS▲310

   Your buddy in everyday student life

   2023 · its alternatives →

9. 9
   Stealthly for macOS▲301

   Automated privacy for macOS screen sharing

   2025 · stealthly.app · its alternatives →

10. 10IM
    I made my own OS from scratch because I was bored▲224

    I've wanted to make my own OS since I started programming. Now, 5 years later, I did it (kind of). Sure, it is really basic, has very little functionality, but I made it and I'm proud of that. Oh, and I'm just 16 btw.

    2025 · jotalea.com.ar · its alternatives →

11. 11
    OrbStack▲170

    Fast, light, simple Docker & Linux on macOS

    2023 · its alternatives →

12. 12
    DockDoor▲166

    Window peeking and alt-tab functionality for macOS

    2025 · dockdoor.net · its alternatives →

13. 13
    Better Window Manager▲233

    A tiny window management app for the Mac

    2015 · its alternatives →

14. 14
    Zazu▲193

    Open source launcher, an alternative to Alfred

    2017 · its alternatives →

15. 15
    Netwoke▲77

    Where Connection Meets Disclosure.

    Apr 2026 · netwoke.app · its alternatives →

16. 16AT
    Alt-tab-macos – Windows-style alt-tab on macOS▲156

    2019 · github.com · its alternatives →

17. 17
    1Setter▲108

    One-click system settings for macOS

    Jan 2026 · 1setter.app · its alternatives →

18. 18
    Qubes OS▲58

    Security-oriented OS for single-user desktop computing

    2022 · its alternatives →

19. 19
    Archive OS▲70

    Archive of operating systems

    2018 · its alternatives →

20. 20
    My Drawer▲96

    Open source, intelligent sidebar for MacOS

    Feb 2026 · mydrawer.furkanksl.com · its alternatives →

21. 21
    Student OS▲95

    The ultimate Notion organization system to ace student life

    2023 · its alternatives →

22. 22
    Dispel▲109

    Reclaim your privacy online.

    2015 · its alternatives →

23. 23
    Nook▲86

    Fast, focused, and open — a new WebKit browser for Mac

    Oct 2025 · browsewithnook.com · its alternatives →

24. 24
    SCleaner▲68

    A Small & Simple System Cleanup & Privacy Manager Utility

    2021 · its alternatives →

Ranked by how close each launch is in meaning, then by votes. Prices were read from each product’s own site when checked and can change. Refine with your own description →